Hello West Liberty and surrounding Townships! more

Governor Reynolds has provided $1 million dollars to replace SNAP benefits if it is matched by donations from you and me. more

As the days grow shorter and the stunning colors of fall sweep across Iowa, our thoughts turn to the warmth of family, the comfort of tradition, and the joy of a shared meal. For many of our local families and elderly neighbors facing food insecurity, the approaching holiday season brings a chill of worry, not comfort. more

We’re at turning point in our country. People are realizing that the courts and Congress aren’t keeping the president in check as required by our Constitution more

What color is October? more

This past week, I had the honor of participating in Iowa City’s Latino Cultural Week, a vibrant celebration of art and heritage. When Miriam Alarcón Ávila- a photographer, multimedia artist, and visual storyteller, invited me to host a workshop, I was both humbled and excited. We’d first crossed paths years ago at the Iowa Writers’ House, while I was working on my piece for We the Interwoven, a literary series highlighting first- and second-generation immigrant voices. Though we connected on social media, life, as it often does, pulled us in different directions, until now. more

Why are Democrats allowing a government shutdown over enhanced tax credits that will directly affect only 7% of Americans? more

Customers at the Bread Garden in Iowa City are still shaken two days after Jorge Gonzalez was arrested while working. He was tackled, handcuffed, threatened with a taser while he screamed for help and dragged outside by two armed men in plain clothes. This happened in full view of horrified employees, patrons and their children. People continue to ask employees what happened, what Jorge did to deserve this, were the abductors ICE agents? Bread Garden employees didn’t know so they called 911. Iowa City police didn’t know either. They had not been informed. more

I am collecting your beverage cans and plastic bottles for a non-for-profit program that helps Disabled Veterans. It is called Veterans Casting Away Disabilities! The program allows Disabled Veterans to go fishing for a week to help assist them with the healing of their different physical and mental issues. more

It’s no secret that I don’t see eye to eye with our State Representative, Bobby Kaufmann, on most hot-button issues. I’m quick to speak up when I disagree with elected officials—but admittedly, I’m not always as quick to give credit when it’s deserved, especially when it comes to people I often disagree with. more

Iowa farmers are getting ready to harvest what may be the second largest crop of soybeans of all time. Despite April flooding and a July derecho, conditions are ripe for 608 million bushels of quality beans with no place to go. For the first time in over 30 years, China has not purchased any. While no one was looking, Brazil was planting and now China is their new customer. Normally, soybeans from the United States would be cheaper, but with a 30% tariff, they are not. more

Charlie Kirk was brutally murdered while answering a question about gun violence, setting off a firestorm on social media. Some are celebrating it, many are grieving, most are horrified, not least because of the fear of what is yet to come. We of 82nd Indivisible condemn the attack because we believe that political violence has no place in democracy. more

In small towns like West Liberty, it’s easy to feel like everyone knows everyone. People seem to be more united. When it comes to an issue, word spreads quickly. The most recent discussion around town are the city utility bills. Many residents are feeling confused. Noemi Herrera, a bilingual administrative assistant at city hall, is working hard to change that. As one of the first faces people see when they walk into city hall, Noemi is committed to listening, helping, and making sure residents feel heard. She is there to address high utility bills and answer questions about city services. more

"Was your most recent electric bill higher than usual? It is not a glitch. Iowa has lower electricity rates than average and a reliable power grid, but we can no longer take this for granted ..." more

"In the history of our country, only one group of people has ever benefited from the division we’re suffering right now – the wealthiest. The robber barons and oligarchs (and their mouthpieces) pit us against each other ..." more

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness August 2024 report, the homeless population in Iowa has increased by 56% since 2023. The reasons for this range from low wages, a shortage of affordable housing, insufficient health insurance and lack of mental health support to substance abuse and flight from domestic violence. While Iowa has one of the lowest homeless populations of any state, our percentage of homeless people increased three times more in 2024 than in the nation as a whole. more

By state law, K-12 teachers in Iowa cannot go on strike. If they do, they could lose their jobs, go to jail and be forced to pay fines. This has been true since 2017 when the Iowa Legislature kicked the teeth out of public unions and put their boots on the necks of teachers. But that was only the beginning. more

One of the uses of A.I. is its role in determining eligibility for social services.  more

This weekend, a package arrived from Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico, a village known for its rich Zapotec weaving traditions. Teotitlán’s textiles are made on hand-operated looms, using wool from local sheep and dyed primarily with natural ingredients sourced from the land. I was thrilled to open the package because inside were tlacoyales—or ku’uty, that I had ordered from Laaza, a fifth-generation workshop and gallery that’s dedicated to preserving Zapotec art. more

As sweeping federal and state policy changes take effect in 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Iowa are being reduced—worsening hunger across the state and placing greater strain on food banks and struggling families. more